Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning lakes and charming cities of northern Italy. This immersive tour invites you to explore the picturesque Lake Como, vibrant Milan, the enchanting Lake Garda, and the historic cities of Verona, Venice, and more. Indulge in private walking tours, wine tastings, and breathtaking boat rides while savouring the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this captivating region.

 

Day 1: Lake Como

Arrive at Milan Malpensa International Airport, collect your car, and transfer to your hotel on Lake Como. Check in to your accommodation, with time at leisure.
Overnight on Lake Como.

Day 2: Milan

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off for a drive to Milan. Enjoy a half-day private walking tour of the impressive city centre. Visiting the splendid Duomo Cathedral, which is a striking example of Gothic art and the largest Cathedral in Italy. It is an almost impossible feat to count the statues squeezed onto its rooftop and façade; there are, in fact, more than 3,200 of them even before you enter the interior.

After the Duomo, move on to the stunning Vittorio Emanuele Shopping Gallery, a 19th-century glass vaulted shopping arcade. Brimming with top fashion shops and cafés, it was used as the connecting pathway from the Cathedral to the famous La Scala opera house, ensuring the ladies could stay dry on their way to the theatre in case of rain. Founded in 1778, La Scala has hosted some of the world’s greatest musicians and opera singers, such as Pavarotti, Maria Callas and Giuseppe Verdi.  Drive back to Lake Como and overnight.

Day 3: Lecco, Bellagio

After breakfast, discover the lake on a tour that takes you around the splendid coastal panoramas. The first stop is in Lecco for a delicious coffee. Take the winding roads as far as beautiful Bellagio. Enjoy time exploring and taking in the views before lunch. Meet our expert tour leader in the afternoon, who will walk you through the pearls of the lake, followed by a boat tour at the end of the visit to discover Como’s unforgettable landscapes and magnificent views as far up as Varenna, known as the diamond of Lake Como.

Enjoy some free time to visit the town, and later, a private transfer will take you to the Vezio Castle, where you will still live the medieval charm of its past and admire the full view of Lake Como from the beautiful terrace of the olive trees. Here you can relax and enjoy a fantastic aperitif with a superb view!
Drive Back to your hotel and overnight on Lake Como.

Day 4: Franciacorta, Sirmione

Final breakfast, then departure for a picturesque drive to Italy’s largest lake, Garda and the peninsular village of Sirmione. En route, do not miss a stop at the famous vineyard area of Franciacorta, which is famous for its superb dry sparkling prosecco. Visit the Cantine Berlucchi, where the famous Prosecco has been produced since 1961. Take time out for lunch, then drive to Sirmione. The pearl of Lake Garda is a place to relax and enjoy the natural thermal sulphur hot springs. Overnight in the Sirmione area.

Day 5: Bardolino, Peschiera

Morning departure to Bardolino on the lake to visit a traditional wine cellar that produces excellent quality red Bardolino wine as well as white and sparkling wines. The vineyards are from the Bardolino estate. Visit the winery and sample the wines in the cellars. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a typical local restaurant. Free time to wander the pretty town. Afternoon drive to another excellent winery at Peschiera of Garda for more tasting. We then suggest a visit to the beautiful little town centre of Peschiera and enjoy a walk along the lakefront. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Day 6: Verona, Treviso Area

After breakfast, take the short drive to the city of Verona, enjoying a guided excursion. Follow your guide through the old town and discover the best of Verona, including the Arena the famous Roman amphitheatre; and stroll around the old city and explore the magic of the Medieval castle and the charming view of Juliet’s balcony as you wander the romantic and enchanting streets of Verona.  Visit the Arena, which is one of the biggest open-air theatres in the world and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Time at leisure to enjoy lunch and afternoon departure to the Treviso area or Asiago.  Check-in, free time for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Dolomiti Bellunesi, Marostica, Bassano Del Grappa

Departure for the hills of the Belluno in the Dolomites to arrive at Bassano del Grappa, at the foot of Mount Grappa, where the River Brenta flows into the River Po. Wander across the famous Alpine bridge built by the architect Palladio in the 16th century. Enjoy lunch at a typical Trattoria, a simple but delicious menu made from the local seasonal produce. Finish lunch and enjoy a very interesting tour of the Grappa Museum in the historical Grappa distillery. Taste some grappa and other local liqueurs and spirits. Free time.

We suggest a visit to the delightful city of Marostica, the city of Human Chess, wander around the old town centre and stop at the “La Casa Del Parmigiano” grocery store, which sells over 200 different types of cheeses, olive oils, wines and the excellent cold cuts. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 8: Padua, Venice

Drive to Padua, walk through the narrow streets of its old town, and admire the Renaissance grandeur of its main squares and the Byzantine domes of the St. Anthony shrine. Depart for Venice to arrive at Piazzale Roma, where you drop off your car and transfer to your hotel by private water taxi. Accommodation in your hotel in Venice. Overnight stay.

Day 9: Venice

After breakfast, a morning visit of Venice to explore the city: St Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and its marvellous rooms, rich in history and decorated by incredible masterpieces made by great artists such as Tiepolo and Tiziano. The Golden Staircase will leave you speechless: this was the main entrance to the halls of power where the Doge decided the fate of the Republic!
Cross the Bridge of Sighs and go through the dark Venetian prisons, where many important figures were imprisoned, including Giacomo Casanova. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Venice.

Day 10: Venice

After breakfast, check out and transfer by private water taxi and car to Venice International Airport for your return flight.